Monday 29 Oct 07

Edexcel, provider of a range of internationally recognised qualifications to more than two million learners, has adopted an in-house solution to automate its 360 degree appraisal process. Having successfully trialled software to automate its review processes, Edexcel looked for a solution that could be managed internally and has invested in the Carbon360 product from Element78.

Ophelia Dodds, Edexcel Corporate Project Delivery Manager headed the software selection process and reviewed three systems. Commenting on the investment in Carbon360, she said:

"Financial considerations and an ability to host the system were key factors in the decision making process. Investment in the Carbon360 product not only gives us complete in-house control but it was more cost-effective to install the whole system than run an external solution."

Other key reasons for adopting Carbon360 software included the ability to run on-line questionnaires in-house, flexibility, rapid deployment and supplier support. Additionally, the software's reporting capabilities, particularly its ability to draw out data, impressed Edexcel.

Monday 17 Sep 07

Having viewed new version Carbon360 software at June 2007's HR Software Show, Cubic Transportation Systems, Inc. has invested in the 360 degree appraisal package developed by Element 78 Solutions Ltd. The global turnkey solution provider of automated fare collection systems for public transport applications has completed development of a competency framework and identified Carbon360 software as the ideal mechanism for delivery. Liz Newman, Head of Human Resources, commented on how Carbon360 will support the move from a paper based performance management process to an automated solution: "Carbon360 has been identified as the ideal mechanism for delivering our newly developed competency framework which will enable us to migrate a paper based system to a desk-top based process. Straightforward translation of our framework data will ensure that we can seamlessly move to the software solution and cascade the information down the organisation without major investment in roll-out time or money." Other reasons cited by Cubic Transportation that reinforced the decision to move to the Carbon360 software appraisal solution were its 'stand-alone' system benefits that give total flexibility along with an intuitive, uncomplicated design and lack of IT jargon.

Monday 17 Sep 07

'Carbon360 Characters', each with their own distinctive features have been designed to support Element78's new generation 360 degree appraisal software. Representing the wide spectrum of people within an organisation impacted by the 360 degree appraisal, the iconographic characters also make a strong statement that Carbon360 is intuitive and easy-to-use. Element78 report that they believe this to be the first development by an appraisal software development company to represent the complex dynamics of the 360 degree appraisal with clear iconographic character branding. The company confirms that the fresh simplicity of the Carbon360 Characters' design reinforces the straightforward nature, and ease of implementation of the software, produced by Element 78 Solutions Ltd. The new branding will be represented throughout Element78's display materials including graphics, literature and other materials available to visitors to the exhibition. An on-stand rolling visual display featuring the Carbon360 Characters will guide visitors through the applications and advantages of the company's 360 degree appraisal software.

Wednesday 18 Jul 07

After a fantastic 3 years of continued growth we have finally reached full capacity in our existing offices and have taken the decision to lay our proverbial hat elsewhere. We're all very excited about our new offices which will give us more room to grow and provide a wonderful environment to work. The planned move date is 3rd August which is when the fit out of the new offices will be completed (we hope). To have a look at how it's all been going check out our photo album.

Tuesday 08 May 07

A major upgrade of the popular 360 appraisal tool, Carbon360, is set to be launched at the HR Software show Olympia, in June. The new version, written by Element 78 Solutions Ltd, boasts a number of powerful features designed to make rolling out 360 appraisals a painless process. Iain Rhodes, Managing Director of Element78 said, "This version represents a quantum leap in terms of functionality and ease of use, we believe that Carbon360 is now the market leader." Key features include:-

• Simpler interface for responders
• Manager dashboard – the manager can see the status of all appraisals under their control
• Administer reviews in progress
• HR Dashboard – the HR administrator can see all appraisals being run in the business and act on problem areas
• Emails are now fully editable
• You can choose your own scoring e.g. Poor to excellent, Strongly disagree to Strongly agree etc
• The competency framework now supports performance levels rather than just simple questions
• You can have responders who are external to the business
• Reporting is vastly improved Carbon360 version 3 will be available to purchase from June 1st and existing clients can be upgraded as part of their support agreement.

Be one of the first to see Carbon360 version 3. Visit stand A130 at the HR Software show, Olympia, June 20th and 21st and enjoy a demonstration with a glass of champagne.

Tuesday 08 May 07

Reed Business Information is one of the world's leading business to business publishers, with a portfolio of more than 100 news and information products, awards, conferences and directories covering 18 markets. Following meetings with their senior HR team they selected Carbon360 from Element 78 Solutions Ltd to facilitate roll out of their 360 degree appraisal programme. The latest version of Carbon360, which is being released at the HR Software show Olympia in June, enabled Reed's complex performance level based competency framework to be easily modelled into the system. The browser based interface then enables the questionnaires to be distributed efficiently across the organisation. The new version's powerful new reporting tools will also enable managers to produce detailed reports at a personal or Enterprise level.